AGpO MEMBERSHIP NEWS You’re Not Alone: Connect More with AGpO Dentistry is a lonely profession. Many dentists practice solo, and those in-group practices are often too busy with their daily schedule to have time to fraternize. Sometimes, it feels like it's you against the world. General dentists, who also practice orthodontics, may find themselves even more isolated. When asked about including orthodontics in the services provided to their patients, some colleagues will say, “What a headache! Why would you want to do that?” And don’t even think of looking for camaraderie from an orthodontist. Orthodontics is one of the most territo-rial, jealous specialties there is. This is why the Academy of Gp Orthodontics is so important for all general and pediatric dentists who also practice orthodontics. At meetings, in class, and online, we connect with like-minded professionals who are ready to listen, help and suggest. In our Academy, we find an understanding of problems, a place where we can say, “What? You had that trouble too?” Better yet comes the response, “Yes, and this is what I did.” Dentistry is a challenging profession. Drew Ellenwood, DDS AGpO President A dentist works in a tiny space within a living environment under a variety of conditions. Add orthodontics, and now you must navigate between details and the bigger picture. Then, there’s the case that’s the puzzler now added to your plate. Yikes! With the Academy’s courses and annual meetings, challenges are cut down to a manageable size. Ques-tions are asked and answered in a friendly environment and dentists of all levels of orthodontic education learn from each other. In our Academy, we find our passion again: The beauty of the challenge, the excitement of the lonely victories, and the privilege to serve our patients as fellow humans. Dentistry is a grand profession! Drew Ellenwood, DDS Two-Year Continuing Education Course Graduates 12 Doctors This past fall, 12 dentists completed their 12-session, two-year comprehensive hands-on course taught by Dr. Robert Allen at his office in Rockwall, TX. All of the doctors earned a minimum 155 CDE hours in orthodontics and related topics. All 12 doctors achieved the Associate Fellowship level of the Academy of Gp Orthodontics Tier Advancement Program. Each doctor needed to start a minimum of three cases during the hands-on course, followed by passing a written and oral examination. These doctors included Soong-Ryong Jung, DDS, Thomas Randers, Jr, DDS, Daniel Chiara, DMD, Brianda Hernandez, DDS, Faysal Chaudhry, DDS, Martin Pak, DDS, Vidyavathi Kone-Pictured above in the back row is (L to R) Soong-Ryong Jung, DDS; Daniel Chiara, DMD; Robert Allen, DDS (Instructor); Anthony Do, DMD; Scott Bialobreski, DDS; and Faysal Chaudhry, DDS. Front row (L to R) is Ryan Coburn, DMD; Thomas Randers Jr., DDS; and Vidyavathi Konegowda, DDS. gowda, DDS, Ryan Coburn, DMD, Scott Bialobreski, DDS, Monica Davenport, DDS, Kalyan Nadella, DDS, and Anthony Do, DDS. www.orthodontics.com Winter 2018 43
Journal of the American Orthodontic Society Winter 2018: Page 43
